Long-term exposure to air pollution could lead to dementia, warns WHO

NEW DELHI: WHO has issued new global guidelines saying up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by tackling risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and, for the first time, air pollution, while advising against the routine use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements for dementia prevention in people without a diagnosed deficiency.The updated recommendations, the first major revision since 2019, reflect growing scientific evidence that lifestyle choices, management of chronic diseases and environmental exposures can significantly influence brain health. The inclusion of air pollution marks a key addition to WHO's dementia prevention guidance, reflecting mounting evidence linking long-term exposure to polluted air with cognitive decline.Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking and the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for an estimated 60-70% of all dementia cases.